Shapes 'n Figures June 2007
As most women can attest, swimsuit
shopping is no laughing matter. In fact, it’s one of
those experiences that can make you want to cry. But
take heart, Shapes ‘N Figures is here to help.
Carrying sizing and styles for all body types, you
will find your suit here. Long torso, short, petite,
large cup, mastectomy - no problem! There’s a suit
to fit and flatter your body. Owner, Saeeda laughs
as she says that sometimes she’ll joke with a
customer, “what is it you are trying to hide?” as
she discusses fit and style. “We all have something
we want to hide but there is always something to
show, too.” Me, I want to try the Miracle Suit
designed to make the wearer look 10 pounds slimmer.
I asked, for all of our sakes, if wearing two suits
would hide 20 pounds?
Part of the store’s success comes from carrying name
brand suits in a range that fit from 6-month infants
to women’s sizes 26/28. Swimsuit bra sizes range
from A to E and F cup. (Call first, the popular
larger sizes sometimes sell out.) There’s an
enormous selection of one-piece, two-piece and mix
and match as well. So you are sure to find something
that fits and suits you.
And let’s not forget the boys. There’s swim shorts
for them, too.
Experience is another factor in the success. The
business started in 1989 with involvement in custom
design including swim, dance, skate, gymnastic,
biathlon, luge and skeleton wear. After 10 years the
focus narrowed to swim and cruise wear and the
business expanded to several stores in Alberta.
Saeeda and her husband Asif eventually decided to
focus on one store and make it the largest supplier
of swimwear, including designer brands, all in one
large 2500 sq. ft. store. Although overwhelming at
first, the friendly atmosphere and the dedication to
superior customer service makes it easy to find a
suit that fits to perfection. “The business has
prospered and we have our clients to thank, who have
supported us in every way possible since day one,”
says Saeeda.
Twenty years of experience shows. “When a customer
walks into the store, I know what size she will wear
and what will suit her. That’s what experience
does,” she tells me in her friendly manner. “I’ve
helped hard-to-fit young girls and women find
something they like and that suits their body type
and they go away happy with their purchase. Often, I
listen to what a customer wants or needs and then
guide them to the right suit.”
Still another factor are the name brands carried:
Christina, Baltex, Miracle Suit, Goddex Gold, Goddex
Profile, Gilden Oberson, Anna Cole, Anne Klein and
Speedo to name some. These suits aren’t just for sea
or sunbathing, many are suitable for chlorinated
pools.
In addition to the swimwear, Shapes ‘N Figures
offers a selection of cruise wear. Wrinkle-free,
breathable, washable and wearable are the qualities
that define this gear. There are wraps, dresses,
tunics and pants, cover-ups and an assortment of
accessories such as bags, hats, flip-flops and swim
caps.
Saeeda sums it up by saying, “Shapes ‘N Figures has
been assisting Calgarians find the perfect swimwear
for 20 years. With over 6000 bathing suits in stock,
Shapes ‘N Figures offers an excellent selection all
year round. It is our mission to provide suits for
every shape, size and need, and help you find the
one that’s right for you.
Please call us and visit at your convenience.”
Shapes ‘N Figures is located in Summit Park at #103,
5718-1A ST. SW. Calgary, close to Chinook Center.
Now, I need to ask Saeeda, about that Miracle
Suit.**.
